Athol, MA — January 29 — While Gardner crews worked at a second-alarm building fire in the morning, Engineers 2 and C2 from the Athol Fire Department, located at 2251 Main Street, responded to provide citywide coverage for the City of Gardner.

Athol units answered to several service requests in Gardner while assigned to cover duty, collaborating with Fitchburg Engine 2 and Leominster Ladder 1. These actions ensured constant emergency coverage while key resources remained dedicated to the fire scene. A common component of regional mutual help is cover assignments, which enable departments to assist one another during protracted situations. Once Gardner units were freed from the second-alarm fire, Athol Fire Department companies were cleared from cover duty and returned to Athol, restoring normal operations in their home response area.